Tuesday 21st Sep 1999
Richard Prebble
Media Release -- Justice

Wellington man George Shaw, convicted last year for a string of sexual assaults on young boys, was sentenced for 3+ years, but only has to serve between one third and two thirds of that time. He can apply to a district prison board this month for parole.

But Mr Prebble says under his Truth in Sentencing proposal, Shaw would have to serve at least 80% of his sentence.

He says Shaw's victims have suffered terribly, and were devastated by the light sentence Shaw received. Letting him out early would be a further travesty of justice, Mr Prebble said.

"This deviant deserves substantial punishment. Once Truth in Sentencing becomes law, criminals like Shaw will do serious time for serious crimes."

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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